ABIDE Synonyms: 165 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'abide' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of abide are bear , endure , stand , suffer , and tolerate . While all these words mean "to put up with something trying or painful," abide suggests acceptance without resistance or protest. // cannot abide their rudeness

Q: When is 'bear' a more appropriate choice than 'abide'?

The words bear and abide are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bear usually implies the power to sustain without flinching or breaking. // forced to bear a tragic loss

Q: When could 'endure' be used to replace 'abide'?

While in some cases nearly identical to abide , endure implies continuing firm or resolute through trials and difficulties. // endured years of rejection

Q: In what contexts can 'stand' take the place of 'abide'?

The meanings of stand and abide largely overlap; however, stand emphasizes even more strongly the ability to bear without discomposure or flinching. // unable to stand teasing

Q: When might 'suffer' be a better fit than 'abide'?

The synonyms suffer and abide are sometimes interchangeable, but suffer often suggests acceptance or passivity rather than courage or patience in bearing. // suffering many insults

Q: When can 'tolerate' be used instead of 'abide'?

The words tolerate and abide can be used in similar contexts, but tolerate suggests overcoming or successfully controlling an impulse to resist, avoid, or resent something injurious or distasteful. // refused to tolerate such treatment

abide

verb

ə-ˈbīd

Definition of abide next

as in to remain

to continue to be in a place for a significant amount of time refused to abide where it was clear that he wasn't wanted

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to live

to have a home the charming fantasy that fairies abide in the cup-shaped flowers dotting the woodland floor

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to tolerate

to put up with (something painful or difficult) cannot abide being in huge crowds

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to continue

to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state the village's once-honored ways no longer abide and now exist only in the memories of a few elders

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb abide differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of abide are bear, endure, stand, suffer, and tolerate. While all these words mean "to put up with something trying or painful," abide suggests acceptance without resistance or protest.

cannot abide their rudeness

When is bear a more appropriate choice than abide?

The words bear and abide are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bear usually implies the power to sustain without flinching or breaking.

forced to bear a tragic loss

When could endure be used to replace abide?

While in some cases nearly identical to abide, endure implies continuing firm or resolute through trials and difficulties.

endured years of rejection

In what contexts can stand take the place of abide?

The meanings of stand and abide largely overlap; however, stand emphasizes even more strongly the ability to bear without discomposure or flinching.

unable to stand teasing

When might suffer be a better fit than abide?

The synonyms suffer and abide are sometimes interchangeable, but suffer often suggests acceptance or passivity rather than courage or patience in bearing.

suffering many insults

When can tolerate be used instead of abide?

The words tolerate and abide can be used in similar contexts, but tolerate suggests overcoming or successfully controlling an impulse to resist, avoid, or resent something injurious or distasteful.

refused to tolerate such treatment

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of abide The majority of members are appointed by City Hall and abide by its directives. —

Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2025 Defense spending Trump’s relationship with the Western military alliance was acrimonious during his first presidency, with the Republican leader frequently lambasting NATO member states for not abiding by a 2014 target to spend at least 2% of GDP on defense every year. —

Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2025 Like all of the director’s most memorable settings, the show’s world abided by something closer to dream logic than any earthly science, obfuscating even the most integral developments. —

Emma Stefansky, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2025 Here is what a deal could look like using the Spotrac trade machine and abiding by the new CBA restrictions. —

Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for abide

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abide

Verb

Kiké Hernández, the longtime Dodgers fan favorite who reprised his utility role last season and succinctly and memorably summarized the title-winning team’s fortitude, remains a free agent.

— Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic, 2 Feb. 2025
According to the California Highway Patrol’s South Sacramento office, the two left lanes of eastbound Highway 50, east of Howe Avenue, have been closed for repairs to the traffic barrier, while lanes 3 through 5 remain open.

— Andrew Sheeler, Sacramento Bee, 1 Feb. 2025